Former President John Mahama has urged African leaders to significantly increase the continent's capacity to manufacture medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment. This push aims to end Africa's heavy reliance on imports, which proved precarious during the recent global health crisis.
Addressing the African Union Extraordinary Health Summit in Accra, President Mahama highlighted that Africa imports approximately 70% of its medicines, over 90% of its medical devices, and more than 99% of its vaccines. This extreme dependence left African nations struggling to access critical supplies, like COVID-19 vaccines, despite having the financial means to purchase them. The pandemic served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with external supply chain vulnerabilities.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Africa's economic resilience and industrial base. Reducing import dependence in the pharmaceutical sector can significantly boost intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also supports the continent's long-term goal of self-sufficiency and economic diversification, moving beyond raw material exports.
President Mahama stated, "Africa imports around 70% of its medicines, more than 90% of its medical devices and over 99% of its vaccines. We learnt a bitter lesson." He also noted encouraging progress, citing vaccine production in Senegal, advancements in mRNA technology in South Africa, Rwanda’s growing biotechnology sector, and Ghana’s plans for a vaccine manufacturing industry. The African Medicines Agency is also transitioning to full operational status, which will further support local manufacturers.
The move towards increased local pharmaceutical production is expected to have significant implications for public health and economic development. Strengthening health value chains will not only improve health security but also create new industries and provide dignified employment opportunities for Africa's large youth population. This strategic shift will reduce the continent's vulnerability to future global health shocks and foster sustainable economic growth.
Decision-makers and markets will closely watch the implementation of these manufacturing initiatives. Success will depend on robust investment, technology transfer, and supportive regulatory frameworks across African nations. The summit's focus on tackling preventable maternal deaths, communicable, and non-communicable diseases underscores the urgency of building resilient health systems by the end of the decade.